OXYCONTIN ADDICTION ARTICLE

[MED HELP INTERNATIONAL]

Usually, we don't support these types of requests.  However, Oxycontin addiction has become so widespread and devastating, that we feel compelled to help get the word out in any way we can.  

Med Help International has checked the credentials of the following reporter and we believe she is sincere.  However, as always, please be very careful when giving out any personal information.

==================
Dear Forum Participants,

I'm a former Los Angeles Times reporter working on an Oxy story for a national magazine. I've been studying up on this horribly addictive drug and I'd like to interview some of you for the story. I want to know why you started taking Oxy, when you realized you were addicted, how the drug affected your life and what you are doing to overcome your addiction. I can send you the questions via e-mail, and I can use a generic name to protect your identity in the story.

Please contact me at your earliest possible convenience at:

Email:  jenperez_freelance***@****.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jennifer Perez

[MED HELP INTERNATIONAL]

If you would prefer not to have your e-mail address given out to a reporter, you can send your answers to the questions above to Med Help.  We will remove your address and send the answers to Jennifer Perez.

Med Help Email:  ***@****


Med Help International

[Chezz]

Mrs. Perez,

Can you clear a few things up for me.

You are a FREELANCE writer. Is that correct?

What "national" magazine will you be submitting your story to?

Will you be providing legal documents to protect the anonymity of your sources?

Have you yet, or will you be, using anything that has been posted here on this forum already?

I very much agree that a story needs to be done on this. The knowledge needs to be spread to protect more people from it's grips.
I personally have learned so much just from being here myself.

Sincerely,
Chezz

[skipper]

Jennifer:
welcome to the forum! this is a small gathering spot for addicts
seeking the support of other addicts. although we are small, we
will always have room for just one more addict seeking something
more than what is left in the bottom of their pill bottle.

this forum is about recovery via one addict supporting another. it is not treatment or soul saving....although i must admit it certainly saved my ass.

i have a questions that maybe you could help me out with. what do you hope to achieve with another article about the evils of oxycontin? do you believe that you can examine this subject without the usual hysterical, sensational manner it has been given thus far?

i am a recovering opiate addict. i know first hand about the devistation of drug addiction. i am also a patient at a hospital clinic that specializes in treating people with intractable pain. oxycontin has enabled me to return to a normal, productive life.
before being treated with oxycontin, pain had rendered me use-
less. i could not participate in even the simplest matters of my
life that i had never really given a lot of thought too.

perhaps i am wrong...but i somehow have the feeling that you will
not be intrested in hearing that this "evil drug," is actually
doing what it is supposed to do, return people like me back into
the world. i would very much like to disseminate my expierence
with you, if you feel you can do this a fair and non-hystical
manner. why not post back to this forum and find out what it's
members are about?  my viewpoints are not necessarily those of the rest of this forum's membership.

please post back to us
and keep an angel on your shoulder
kip

[bmac]

I agree with Chezz.Don't BS us about the legality or the use my email address.I think the publication she would sell it to or
the way it would be used is my main concern.I think it a great idea for people that don't understand this to hear from us.
The ones caught up in the system of medicine and Gov't.And of course addiction.Lets hear from her!
                      bmac

[bmac]

I think most of us agree with you.I tried to say the same thing but being a southern white boy,I failed miserably.LOL
Lets hear what she has to say.I am all for it.'IF'
                           BMAC

[Chezz]

I have emailed and recieved a reply from Mrs. Perez. I have asked her permission to paste it here to the people that need to read it.
I will as soon as I get a response.
Chezz

[Chezz]

Great post Skipper.
I agree completely with your wholehearted response.

I personally just feel more specifics need to be addressed.
Chezz

[Chezz]

Furthermore, I have no doubt as to the credentials of Mrs. Perez or her work.

[Francoise]

I'm concerned that this article will slam oxy for what a relatively small number of people have done to themselves with it and not address the great good it has done for hundreds of thousands of people.

We kill 50,000 people a year on our highways. No one is suggesting we get rid of automobiles.

Half those road kills involve alcohol. No one is suggesting we get rid of alcohol. Besides, we tried that once already.

Tobacco and alcohol are responsible for vastly more human misery and death than all the drugs, legal and illegal, that are abused every year.

Every year over 90,000 people die because of doctor mistakes. We aren't about to outlaw doctors.

I hope we don't do what we usually do (our nanny government I'm speaking of when I say "we"): over-react. Oxycontin is giving hundreds of thousands of people their lives back every day. I am one of those people. I don't want to see all these lives ruined by constant, unrelenting pain because two or three hundred people have abused this drug and not lived to tell the tale.

I'm ready to be interviewed.

francois

[mrmichael67]

What hasn't been said about oxy that needs to be said?  Are there any new findings about oxy that we are unaware of?  I think Miss or Ms Perez should definitely make clear her agenda before anyone participates in this.  For all you know, the DEA could be paying her to do a story.  The DEA has even gone so far as to muscle into the Hollywood industry.  I am not paranoid, but just trying to say that you never know.  Let us please not perpetuate the "Oxy Con Job".  And, remember this, what do you have to gain by participating in this?

[puma]

Mrs. Perez,

I personally have never tried Oxycontin but I certainly would have at times I was in extreme pain had I been able to find a doctor to prescribe it. I have taken some form of pain killers narcotic and non-narcotic for up to 30 years for chronic pain disorders.

The hype the media sends out is usually on the negative side when it comes to drugs. Most people do not get addicted to OXY and there are by far more devestating and hard to control addictions than OXY. Would you rather see people kill themselves because of not wanting to tolerate pain anymore or would you rather see them become functional human beings as the Skipper has mentioned?

I am taking another well over slammed non-narcotic that even many of these addicts here on this forum have complained about and that is Ultram, (Tramadol generic name. It has literally brought me back into the living world again. Some people have side effects or problems with some drugs while others have problems with other drugs.

I don't think taking a well performing product off the market is a good thing to do just because a relatively small number; comparatively to the overall population that take it, may overuse it. Most people follow the correct dosages.

I think alcohol is much more devestating and killing drug. Read the statistics on it; how many deaths each year are caused by or related to alcohol. Yet I don't see anything on the bottle labels of how addictive it is.

Attend a few A.A. meetings and you will find out, also try the videoes about how addiction works in the brain etc.

All of the people here on this forum are supporting each other with methods of detoxing from their addictions. My main addiction is alcohol, not OXY! I am now off the alcohol, but I went through serious withdrawal to get to where I am now, I almost died last February from the Delirium Tremens! That was also in part due to Klonopin withdrawal at the same time which I need to take for seizures. It is the only anti-seizure drug I can tolerate.

Don't treat OXY like it is a street drug. It is prescribed by pain docs when really needed for serious pain. What really pisses me off is that docs are afraid to prescribe even mild pain killers because of all the media hype. I wish the government people would get a grip and track the real problems such as the real threat of bioterrorism. Even the newest anti-depressants have their own form of withdrawal, very pleasantly referred to as discontinuation syndrome!

I hope this helps some, this is only my opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the other forum participants or it's management.

Chatahan

If you want to correspond off this open forum me email is

***@****

[IrishRose]

This has just been so done already. I read an article in Newsweek last fall about OxyBabies.  In the late 80's early 90's we heard about crack babies, well the next generation is OxyBabies!  Something else to worry about.  Like Dateline doesn't give us enough to lose sleep over already.  Hell I was scared to death of my dryer after their devastating expose on dryer lint. It'll burn your house down, yes it will!  But I'm not afraid of OxyContin.  I realize it has indeed destroyed many lives and that sells way better than a story about someone who got a piece of their life back because their pain was finally managed.I am well aware that there are those that abuse it, but as Francois pointed out, what about alcohol, cigarettes, etc?  There really is nothing new to say.  If someone hasnt heard of the evils of Oxy by now ( a.k.a. Hillbilly Heroin) by reading a hysterical doomsday article or watching Dateline, then they must live on another planet.

[skipper]

Jennifer:
'ya know the more i thought about your request the more disgusted
i seem to become....lets see here...YOU want SOMETHING from US...
but we are to deliver it to YOU? perhaps we should bring along a
pizza pie for her majesty? hey Jenn want me to bring a 12 pack too?
nah probably not...too down home for you and besides i don't drink doctors orders you understand i hope. i think you stand a beter chance of pissing up a rope...so don't wait up for me. don't mean to be rude but i feel you rather provoked something here.

but guess what? your welcome to join us! can't speak for anyone
else but me (hey thats an imrovement over the way i was)! see i'm
just not all falling down ga ga about a REPORTER FROM A NATIONAL
MAGAZINE!!<?><?><?>

see i gots me everything i need here. people who accept me for who i am...they even care about the skipper. it's just like having a friend that goes back so far they knew you before the lables were applied....i care about them in the same way. i just don't think your magazine got benefits like that, does it?

but hey stick around with us for even a very short time and some
one will tell you that they love and care about...and there isn't
a damm thing you can do about it!! now be honest...has your mag-
azine ever done that? imagine...really really fantastic human
beings...but humble and small enough to hang at such a place as
this...it gets me warm and fuzzy the way opiates and outsiders
don't no more.

please post back to us and keep an angel on your shoulders
kip

[deva]

HI ALL. ID FIRST LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A GOOD EVENING AND HOPE ALL ARE WELL.I TAKE OXY AND GET INCREDIBLE RELEIF FROM IT.I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE GENERAL ATTITUDE THAT THE PARTICIPANTS (SOME,NOT ALL)OF THIS FORUM HAVE RECENTLY ADOPTED.ITS CLEAR TO ME WHY YOU MAY BE A BIT SKEPTICAL OF A JOURNALIST, BUT KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.I DONT SEE WHY YOU DONT TRY TO GATHER THE INFORMATION YOUR SEEKING IN A MORE DIPLOMATIC MANNER? THE OTHER DAY WHEN A NEWCOMER (P.S.BRIAN) ARRIVED,HE ALSO GOT THE THIRD DEGREE.I REALLY LIKE THE PEOPLE HERE AND THE SUPPORT THAT I HAVE GRACIOUSLY RECIEVED.I ALSO HAVE ENJOYED SEEING THOSE OF YOU WITH OR WITHOUT EXPERIENCE IN GETTING DRUG FREE,SO WILLINGLY WELCOME, SHARE AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER.IM BEING HONEST WHEN I SAY THAT IT WORRIES ME TO SEE THE INTEGRITY OF THE FORUM FALTER BY AGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES.WHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO MAY JUST BE BROWSING BY TO SEE IF THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE THE PLACE FOR HELP THEY ARE LOOKING FOR,AND THEY SEE THESE HARSH CONVERSATIONS?I THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH IT TO CONSIDER THE QUALITY OF THIS FORUM THAT WE ALL VALUE SO MUCH.FOOD FOR THOUGHT.THANKS ,DEVA

[player]

how did we go from seeing how legitimate this reporter is to a really low-brow discussion about dead musicians??  kinda adds credence to her opinion that all oxy users are airheads!!!!  back to the subject-oxy IS prescribed for legitimate use-however-if the patient is an ex-abuser of anything-the potential exists for abuse.  when the use goes on for any extended length of time the doctor freaks and tries to limit the scripts - causing major freaking out-cause finally the pain is under control but the cure is worse than the cause-get back to the subject!!! you all sound like a bunch of stoned teenagers - ARE YOU??  ia used it for legitimate reasons, then got hooked on the high - but the physicians will not take responsibility for getting us there....NOW WHAT???   illegal= that's what...next... hey, reporter you can contact ME - i'm 53, employed, educated and HOOKED-THERE'S A DIFFERENT ANGLE FOR YOU, HUH??

[player]

guess everyone's too freaked to answer- reality sucks, huh??  hey, reporter-where are you in all this - don't see any postings with your name on them......maybe our suspicions were right..

[bmac]

what's up? I am Bill.Been here from about 2 months.Came here withdrawing from methadone.Stayed clean for 54 days then started
taking Kadian.I am a pain management patient.I have many surgeries over the past 12 years and I will always need pain control.I am not a teenager by along shot but I am a working musician.Music is my life.I am glad to see everyone coming out on this one but I think that she blew us off so some of us just
changed the subject.And yes there is something not quite right
going on here at the forum but hell we are just addicts not
rocket scientists.I am a man not a boy and I understand a little
about life so I came to my own conclusions about the reporter babe.It isn't worth letting her write an article that has been written a million times over the last two years.'F*** it'
IMHO!
                       bmac

[bmac]

Not another know it all here,no.lol
This forum is getting really deep and I am afraid the language
will get to the point I no longer understand it.Uh!!!!
God please give me the strength to just control what I can control and leave the more intellegent ones the F*** alone.
                      peace and GOOOO VOLS!!!!
PS MUSIC AND FOOTBALL and don't forget Nascar.
I'm sure they can guess where I live.Ya'll come back now,ya hear!!!!!!!!

[athena]

lol from another hillbilly .Yeah,im not quite sure whats going on but I just couldnt pass that one up.I didnt know that we could not talk about our secondary interests(1st being drugs) but I will try not to say ROLL TIDE!!!   GO VOLS!!! and horray for good ole rock and roll!

pixi

[bmac]

I got a divorce in 1992 for these exact reasons.I don't need to be told what to do 24/7 by anyone.I just think things here just
have been revealed to someone that is interested in us or addiction.Hell,I don't even take Oxycontin and haven't since 2000.I'll do it for us...Roll tide and go vols!!!!
AND'long live rock and roll'.Groovy farout check you on the other side.
                                  billybob

[bmac]

and the crowd goes nuts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lighters up and waving.
    great post!!

[bmac]

For the first time in 2 months since I have been coming here we all are on the same subject.Now that's a forum!What a concept!
Hell lets vote on it!lol.What good would come from us talking?
How about everybody else say what they think.Very good posts!
                           bmac

[mrmichael67]

I think the fair thing to do would be to hear Jennifer Perez out.  Find out who she works for, her purpose, etc. before she get bashed.  She came to us with a simple question and I am sure that we, as adults, can handle it accordingly.  We can choose to do it or not.  But, I think we deserve to be a little more informed.  And, what really hasn't been said?  Is there a metamorphosis (sp) of the oxycontin addiction that makes oxycontin addicts somehow different now then they were two years ago?  We shouldn't be paranoid about the DEA being behind this.  But, they are behind a lot of the bad press about oxycontin.  That is a fact.  If you are taking it for legitimate pain, they have nothing on you.

[bmac]

I loved your post.Sounds like a little Operation Mide Crime
going on.Well where is she?Lets hear it.Isn't it early in LA.
                         bmac

[GOD]

Operation Mindcrime is CORRECT!

Holy SH*T-- another Queensryche fan?! HERE?

That was the point I was trying to get across, along with some humor.

I hope nobody takes my post above seriously... Especially YOU, Skip, or IR... Just having fun.

on a SERIOUS note, however, now I'm being accused of being the guy behind all the funny stuff on the forum that's been happening lately. And to the person who E-mailed me that... NO, I do not play any mindf**ks or mindgames here. I am who I perport to be. My IP address will match the three accounts that I post here with (Jessesarpy, jessesarpy, and JesseSarpy).

Peace, everyone..
~~~~Jess~~~~

[Thomas02]

Ms. Perez,

I'm surprised that a journalist would characterize this drug as 'horribly addictive' before she concluded her research. Are you sure you're sufficiently objective to write this story? I ask this because there are many, many chronic pain patients who owe what quality of life they have to drugs such as OxyContin and other opiates and opioids. I hope your article includes the fact that OxyContin is being reformulated to resemble the time-release Morphine medication, Kadian. Kadian cannot be crushed or readily converted into a form that defeats its time-release mechanism. In pursuit of a compelling tale, I hope you remember your responsibility as a journalist to tell the complete story.

I suggest you include in your background research the thousands of cases of chronic pain patients that have been left to live and often die in agony because of the DEA’s draconian policies regarding pain specialists and oncologists.

I am a 30-year Rx opiate junkie walking a knife's edge between recovery and relapse. However, my experience with Oxy is very limited and not representative of a true Oxy patient/user. I would, however, be interested in reading a draft of your article and, as you know by now, won't hesitate to tell you what I think. Good luck. The Med Help Forum should be fertile ground for lots of Oxy war stories.

Regards,

Thomas

[bmac]

It was 'Empire' that did it for me.That's the live show I saw.
Just incredible stuff my brother!
                      bmac

[joejoejoe]

,,,Hay,,,whats happenin''''.....I have the same concerns as many of the people here as to how U'r article will be used & the "slant" it will have.  I am not an addict but came here for information on oxycontin.  I got the info that I needed & fell in love with the people here,,,they are a great bunch!!!  I use oxycontin for pain.  jessesarpy,,,U are funny!!!  lol Thanxx for the laff.... Joe

[IrishRose]

I am no fan of OxyContin.  You won't see me and Skipper in one of those drug company commercials where before Oxy shows us living in some trashed out hovel miserable as hell and after Oxy shows us running through fields, flying kites, playing with puppies, etc. Not that Purdue has any of those kind of commercials.  It was a struggle for me to watch my husband hurt and be in intractable pain, also knowing that he was a former heroin addict with many years clean that now had to take narcotics in order to do things like get up out of bed, work, tie his shoes, etc. It was a very conflicted feeling for both of us I think.  But it is working for him, he doesn't snort it, sell it, etc. he takes it like he is supposed to just like it says on his Rx label.  I think the pharmaceutical companies are notorious for misinformation.  When Ultram came out it was promoted as a non addictive non narcotic alternative.  Jeez how many Ultram folks do we have here now?  And what about that other obesity drug, phen-phen or something like that, how many lawsuits came out of that? I don't meant to slam you Jennifer, not at all, its just that in "getting the word out" will you indeed reflect both sides?  That is my concern.
     Jesse- the IRS, you crack me up! Their very initials invoke dread in my heart, the bane of the self employed person!  Skipper and I are going to visit my mamma today, even IRS agents have mammas! I have to leave him alone next week while I go on a secret government mission out east.  Make sure he behaves.  Talk with you later.

IR

[groovygirl]

what a funny thread...i am also a freelance journalist, so look out!  actually, i wrote an article last spring about online pharmacies.  i joined a website (had to pay to join) that provided people with a list of online pharamcies - in the u.s. and overseas - that would "prescribe" narcotics to people over the phone and then ship them right to your door...isn't that convenient?  that place helped me become a full-blown addict really quickly, so i started to investigate who else was in over their head's.  NO ONE wanted to respond.  so, i mostly stuck with investigating the doctors...you wouldn't believe how much money these guys have made off of us.  it is mind-numbing.

anywho...i think another article on "evil" oxycontin is not what is needed right now...been there, done that.  i think it has gotten such a bad rap because of people like me who abused it.  for people with cancer and the like, it is a wonderful, beautiful thing.  i for one feel very guilty for helping to make this drug hard for people (who need it) to get.  

hey skipper...how's the hand?

[bmac]

Hey Thomas,did I hear you say Kadian,Halloween is near my brother!It can't be crushed and has no street value,Too funny.Trick or Treat!!Open up wide.
                          bmac

[Sugarbeens]

I have seen Jennifer Perez on some show as a journalist on TV.  I am almost 100percent sure, but, it is up to each of you individually whether you share your stories with her.  I think , however, that most people here who are using this drug are taking it for legitimate pain.  Maybe she should look in the high schools and colleges for the young people who are seeking to abuse and use this drug to get high!!  This is where she will get her story I think.  Love to all!
Sugarbeens/AKA-Butterbean

[mrmichael67]

What is up with that IP thing and an e-mail you got?  I will vouch for you.  Someone is doing an IP search?

[bmac]

'Their building Empire'.
                


                 I swear!!!!!!!
                    bmac

[bmac]

I meant Empires with a S.

[Bodymechanic]

If you want open the public eye, why not write an article on how misunderstood the addict is.  Stop calling us junkies and dope fiends. Stop telling us that we have a disease and then treat us as if we were a disease. Behind every post you see here there is a human being with hopes, wants and dreams.  We have families, hold responsible jobs (I am a chiropractor), own homes, pay taxes and love our children.  It is the institions that have turned us into liars, cheats and thieves.  Stop this useless war on drugs that creates gangs, fuels organized crime, fill's our prisons with the "bad drug users".   It is availability, high prices, prejudice (against the addict) and prohibition that causes most of the problems associated with drugs. Let's face the facts. Prohibition has been a two time failure and everyone knows it.  Isn't time to move on beyond the hysterics and start facing reality. Opiates are a drug that has been around since recorded history.  If they haven't destroyed mankind by now, I doubt they ever will.

Bodymechanic

BTW

I am proud of the way you have all expressed yourselves in an intelligent and articulate manner.  Not bad for a bunch of junkies, don't you think Jennifer.

[GOD]

The war on DRUGS?!!

Hey...

You know they will NEVER stop the war on drugs. It fuels our economy. ATF....

Taxes on Alcohol and Tobacco have risen to over 1 trillion net profit (Per YEAR) for our local, State, and Federal Gov'ts since 1991.

To QUOTE one of my favorite Authors, Chris Degarmo:

"Politicians say NO to drugs, while WE pay for wars in South America?!"

Right!

[southernbelle]

right on!  although i acknowledge my mistakes and shortcomings, you are so right.  i agree with you.
this place has been so interesting the last couple of days.  what's next?
i'm on day 6, ALMOST free of the w/d's.  still shaky and tired, but the cravings haven't subsided.  perhaps they are even stronger now.  addiction seems to last forever. it sure is a bondage i'd like to be free of.
love and peace to all of you.

[athena]

Hi Bell
I just had to tell you that I admire your strength and courage.if i had a root canal i'd be begging for a script!You have come a long way in six short days.your posts are so nice to read.keep posting,you are really an inspiration to others.

pixi

[southernbelle]

i could hardly be an inspiration to anyone right now.  pixi, you and the others are the real inspirations here.
truth be told, this is just damn HARD.  but i know everybody here has experienced the same thing and that helps so much.  the tooth is acutally better today.  if i had asked for my POISON, i would have had it here and would probably be abusing it right now.  the tooth pain is better now -- now that it's easing up i would have had quite a few left in a bottle, and would have taken one with my coffee this morning anyway.  i'm just glad i don't have anything here.  it's so easy to be weak and give in.  it's harder to be strong.  but i've made my mind up that i'm going to beat this. all my hopes and dreams are in my two girls.  i sit back and think about what they may become when they are grown and they have so much promise.  they are so smart!  and i think of them being my age and resorting to **** like this and my heart breaks.  i don't want that to happen.  and some addictions run in families.  do you think that's really true?

[athena]

you ARE an inspiration bell.your just down on yourself right now and cant see it while others can.I have a 13yr old son who is the joy of my life and I feel like such a hippocrit telling him about the evils of drugs.yes,it does run in families.Many in my family are alcoholics.i think the only reason that I dont drink is because I had my hydro.I do find myself thinking i need SOMETHING to take and I dont know why.I just hope i can be strong.I guess i'll just keep hanging around here for strength and encouragement.

pixi

[athena]

Hi all
I know this is probably not the place to ask but since a lot of you have back problems here goes.....I have a place just below my shoulder blade,about the size of a silver dollar than hurts like h%^%.it feels like a bad burn,raw like the skin has been peeled away.when i move my arm it really hurts.i dont know if it's been there and the hydro was covering it up or what.Maybe im just crazy!Does anyone know what it might be.i hate going to the dr. and she'll just give me something for pain,which I dont want and dont want to tell her that im an addict.I would still be too weak to throw the script away.sorry to get off topic.

pixi

[southernbelle]

just use your head, you know the right thing to do.  trust your instinct.  if it's serious, then see a doc.  if you are really hurting, that's a different story.  if you get meds, don't abuse -- just use it for the pain.  but then i know how that goes....boy what a world of **** we put ourselves into?  gosh, why do we do this to ourselves?  anyway, just use your head and trust your instinct.  i support you anyway.

[Synderella]

Jess,

I responded to your email about 30 minutes ago.  


BTW, did you read my post regarding my Tussonex cough syrup?  I haven't received any responded yet, and I am really concerned about this dilemma.  If you have any advice/suggestions/comments please share them  :-(

Jenn


“There's no sleep today, I can't pretend. . .When all my dreams are crimes. . .I can't stand facing them. . .Now who will come. . .To wash away my sins. . .Clean my room, fix my meals. . .Be my friend?”

[athena]

im not sure whether you will have to go through w/d again but if you do,it shouldnt be as bad as before.I wish I could be of more help but i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

pixi

[janesays]

Hey Jenn,
I saw your post about Tussionex Syrup and I have to tell you that I was hooked on that stuff heavy! It is loaded with Hydrocodone (same as Vicodin & Lortab). It has 10mg of Hydro per 5cc. I am sorry, but you will have withdrawals from it. That really sucks that your DR did that to you. I would get ready for WD by getting back on the Thomas recipe. You have to be careful with any cough syrup. Most of them have some opiate in them, even if it is just a little codeine. Trust me, I have swallowed a lot of the stuff! If you didn't abuse it, maybe the WD won't be too bad but I know you will have some. I am so sorry for your Dr doing that but also I don't understand something...How could you not notice? It has a kick to it. Didn't you recognize the "feeling" that you felt?

[Synderella]

Thanks Pixi, I just can’t believe my ignorance has gotten me into another narcotic mess, and once again with a legitimate prescription, nonetheless!  I assume the reason I didn’t think of the cough syrup as being narcotic was because:  (1) it tastes really good, like freaking candy, nothing like narcotic cough syrups I’d received in the past!  (2) I didn’t get a “buzz” or “high” from it (of course I was only taking the recommended dosage; 1—2 tsp every 4—6 hours) like when I was taking the hydros (3) and like I stated before, my physician KNEW of my problem with narcos, so I just assumed she wouldn’t prescribe me a “habit forming” cough syrup!


UGH, I guess I will just chalk this one up to plain ole’ stupidity!  I still would love to hear advice from any other posters though!


Thanks,


Jenn

[Synderella]

Janesays,


Like I was pointing out to Pixi, the Tussonex didn’t taste like any narcotic cough syrup I’d been prescribed in the past, and NO I didn’t get a buzz (but then again I’ve only been clean about a month), it just made my cough go away and I felt a TON better.  When I first picked it up, I was too busy freaking out about the price, to really concentrate on what it was; actually the price was what made me think it was non-narcotic also, I figured my physician maybe prescribed this particular one, because it was non-narcotic even though it was expensive as f**k!!


Jenn

[GOD]

THe cough Syrup you speak of is the same (Hyrocode content) as 30 Vicodins or lortab 10's -- Most people on this board would have to drink that whole bottle to get a good buzz going.... I'm not too sure about how MUCH you used to use, but I don't think you will have too much trouble....

Good luck, and I'll mail ya' later-
Jess

[bmac]

It's the refills that will get you.I went for 3 months with a sinus infection(yeah right).Got hooked on the ****.Mine was just lortab and tasted yummie.
                            bmac
The seattle music scene was a wonderful thing in the 80's/90's.

[Synderella]

You said it brother. . .I had the privilege to see many of the “Seattle Based Bands” through the 1990’s; some now dead, broken-up, and some still mashing on!  I saw Nirvana (dead), Alice-in-Chains (dead), Soundgarden (broken-up), Hole (broken-up) Blind Melon (dead) and of course my favorite, Pearl Jam, many times.  The thing I absolutely LOVE about seeing PJ live, is that they NEVER play the same setlist, from one show to the next.  My friends and I will mash on to as many as 4 shows, per tour, just because they are all so uniquely different!  I can’t wait till the new album, Riot Act, comes out next month. . .my posse and I are already planning the next road trip  ;-p

[bmac]

Hey I am a PJ fan also.I go to gdlive.com and download their
shows.I saw them when the first cd came out.Back in when?
I also have played a bunch of their songs in clubs here in town.
                           bmac

[Tuss-ex]

Now you are talking my drug of choice.  You are right about the cough syrup.  First I will make a few assumptions A) since you did not know it was a narcotic then you probably took it as prescribed B) Since you did not know about it then you probably have not taken it very often before.

If that is the case you should be ok and not have any major w/d's.  For me the amount you were given would last me about 25 hours before I had taken it all.  Now the w/d s then are really - really bad.  Just don't under estimate the amount of hydro in it however because I would take tussonex over any pill when I was using.

Just one last question for my own part. You didn't get a nice little warm feeling when you took it?  

Rob

[Synderella]

Never met a Pearl Jam fan I didn’t like :-)  I’ve been to every tour, since 1992.  I totally respect them for never selling out, and staying loyal to their fans!  It’s always been amazing to me how someone else’s thoughts, translated into lyrics, can be completely related to, by thousands and thousands of people!  I listened to their CD catalog everyday, at work, when I was detoxing off the hydros, and it helped tremendously!  Music is such a powerful instrument that helps people heal, calms the soul, establishes a connection between strangers, enhances your mood, and just makes your feel damn well f**king good!  I’ve always admired lyricists, singers, and musicians; unfortunately I can’t carry a tune, or play an instrument, to save my life, but I have MAJOR respect for true artists, such as yourself!  


“Restless soul, enjoy your youth. . .Like Muhammad. Hits the truth. . .
Can't escape from the common rule -- if you hate something don't you do it too. . . Too...
Small my table. A-sits just two. . .
Got so crowded. . . . I can't make room. . .
Oh where did they come from?  Stormed my room. . .
And you dare say it belongs to you.  To you. . .
This is not for you. . .This is not for you. . .This is not for you. . .
Oh, not for you.  Ah you. . .
My friends call me Ed, they call me. . .
My friends they don't scream. . .
My friends don't call. . .
My friends don't. . .Don’t. . .
All that's sacred comes from youth. . .
Dedication. . .Naive and true. . .
With no power. . . Nothing to do. . .
I still remember. . .Why don't you?  Don't you?
This is not for you. . .This is not for you. . .This is not for you. . .
Oh, never was for you. . .**** you. . .
This is not for you. . .
Oh, this is not for you. . .No, no. . .
This is not for you. . .Oh, not for you. . .Oh you. . .”


Jennyfer

[bmac]

I have been playing for over 30 years.I have seen a lot of styles of music over this time but my favorite kind is the ones that mean something.Too many songs are about girls and drugs and
being happy all the time but true musicians paint a musical
picture that you can connect with.Now that's music.It started
for me in 1970.Led Zepplin I.And went from there.At the present time I am in a R&B Group for the money and sanity.I love every
form of music as long as it touches me somehow.You have good taste.AIC,PJ,STP AND QR are among my favorites.Have a great weekend.
                            bmac

[Synderella]

Tuss-ex,


I was prescribed either 130 or 150 cc with 2 refills.  Yes, I took the recommended dosage, which was 1—2 tsp, as needed, except at night, I took more like 4 tsp, so I could sleep throughout the night, without waking up hacking at 4:00 am!  Of course became practically hysterical when I discovered there was liquid hydro in the syrup, as soon as I associated the cough syrups name, with your handle, I was like “OH F**K WHAT IN THE HELL DID I JUST DO??????”  Like I said before, I was so overwhelmed and consumed with the price—I never paid near that much for any of my narco scripts—that I didn’t think about looking at the script; not to mention the fact that my doctor just finished helping me get off pain pills a month ago!!


To answer your question, no, I really didn’t get a “buzz.”  However, I was also pretty sick, and coughing my freaking lungs up, so I wasn’t paying attention to anything but getting over my infection!  Although, looking back on it now, I guess it did “pick me up and make me feel a TON better” but because I didn’t know it was narcotic, I assumed I was just getting better!


Now I have a question for you silly. . .how in the hell did you afford to become a Tussonex addict??  I was freaking shocked when they told me it was $76.00 bucks, like I said, NONE of my narcos were ever that much mula!  If you were putting down, a bottle every other day, it must have been costing you a small fortune!  Just curious. . .but I’ll mail ya my last refill *evil grin*  LOL!


So do you think I am going to have any W/D’s from this ****?


Jenn

[Synderella]

I totally agree, the whole late 80’s early 90’s, bullshit groups—Poison, Ratt, Motley Crue, Warrant, Tesla, Firehouse, Trixter, ect. ect. ect.—who only sang of ****, ass, booze, and drugs, was total “fluff” music.  I listen to all types of music also. . .from Classic Rock to Heavy Metal to Alternative to Jazz to Blues to R&B; if it’s good music, it’s good music, no matter what “format” it’s delivered in!  I was lucky, although I’m relatively young (29), my mother was a “hippy” and exposed me to Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, U2, Bob Marley, Foreigner, Heart, Aerosmith, Elvis, The Eagles, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac, and on and on, from the time I was born, we were always raised with music in our home. . .I own something like 800 to 1000 CD,s and have a 250 disc changer at home.  When I’ve had a shitty day, I load that puppy up, put it on random, and rock on!  Again, I respect and admire, your musical talent and ability.  Too bad, not all of us can be given such a gift.  I think it’s great you are doing what you love, making people happy, following your dreams, and not wasting your God given talent!!!


I hope you have a fabulous and pain free weekend!  Until next time, take it easy!


Sincerely,


Jennyfer

[Thomas02]

Every recovering junkie is different as far as how much, how often will cause the return of WD symptoms. Tussionex is a truly steady release of hydrocodone, usually over 8 to 12 hours. If you take enough of it, you'll get one of the most exquisite narco rides available from the pharmacy without a gun. However, if you use it as prescribed for the duration of your cough, I doubt if you would experience any serious WD symptoms. Just be aware that the stuff feels awfully good, and might awaken the dragon.

Thomas

[mrmichael67]

Tussionex is expensive, but oxycontin addicts manage to keep going.  And, they are more expensive.  I was on tussionex for a year straight.  I didn't go more than a day without it.

[GOD]

THomas e-mailed, and I thought He was you...

THought I was LOOOOOOSING my mind.

Can you answer the question about the Queens of Hearts?

[Tuss-ex1]

To answer your question -- why yes it cost a ton.  Even when I could get the insurance to pay for it the copay was still 3 times what any normal script would cost.

I wouldn't worry about w/d's to much.  What I find surpising is that your Doc actually gave you refills and that you had a 4-6 hour time frame.  I always got the 1 teaspoon every 12 hours (yeah right), because as it was described to me the medication is designed to slowly enter your system via your intestinal track over a period of hours kinda like a hydro IV drip.  You may have noticed that you haven't (how to put this nicely) been going to the bathroom with reqularity.  The biggest thing you may face is the runs.  

All kidding aside it is a very addicting drug, and I am shocked if your Doc just helpped you with pills that he/she could not see a problem with this medication.  Well I know I have made quite a career on Doc's not understanding a situation.

BTW: You could probably get me to clean your house, wash your car, and any thing else for the oppritunity to spend the 76 + dollars for that sweet ambrosia (LOL).  That is why I am an addict.  I think your fine....I just glad to be able to use some of the cough syrup knowledge to help...he.he..

Rob

[bmac]

God what a flashback,getting stoned and playing sip the bottle
or you said spin the bottle,my mistake with my measley little
AD degree I am over whelmed here.Being a product of the 60's-70's has made me into just an old hippy.
Speaking of hippy,where is he today,no  NO It can't be true.
IT'S HIPPY!!!!!lol  JUST KIDDIN'YA BUBBA!

[GOD]

Oops

I did NOT mean the multiple post there. But... I have to admit that it looks good.

[athena]

Hey Bill,SIP the bottle was another of my favorites.Oh yeah,we forgot to talk about The Doors,The Who and oooooooooooh yes,The Stones.

pix

[athena]

I meant to say....THE STONED!lol

pix

[GOD]

Now don't you be making fun of the "Trailer Community" here, buddy. Just because you may be rich and have a Double-Wide doesn't make you any better than us regular folk.

Now everyone: Lets all get a sense of humor. We're all a bunch of reasonably intelligent people with some problems (Oh yeah.. I got those too)--

~~~Jess~~~

[player]

not meant to sound like a'know-it-all' just been there, done that.  back in 70's had a heroin problem, when prescribed and started using OXY - really freaked me out. am 54 y.o. so i DO think i may have a slight edge over some when it comes to this particular subject. i apologize if i offended anyone.

[athena]

Good morning.Apology accepted.I realize that you are probably wondering why all the chit chat on an addiction forum.As you know though,just getting through the physical part is not all there is to it.I have made a lot of friends here and just try to lighten the mood some.For me,humor helps a lot when I feel down.I do try to respond to others needs but as for myself,I hate to complain all the time,it makes ME feel worse.I still crave the hydro and try to keep my mind off of it with idle chitchat.If you found this place,it must mean that you were looking for something.If any of us can help you in any way,we will be glad to.

pixi

[Synderella]

I guess my explicit post to “player” was deleted by the board police.  I can’t believe this guy had the nerve to post a complaint regarding BMAC and I chit-chatting about music!  As if it was any of his business!  What a real A$$!


NE way, Tuss-ex, my house is pretty clean, but my laundry torments me on a daily basis!  I will gladly put up the e$76 bucks myself; if your sweet tushie knows how to sort, wash, and fold!


How was your weekend?


Jenn


PS  BMAC, the butane is filled and lighters are flaming!

[bmac]

One more One more!!!!!!!!!!!
      Right on,Darlin'

[Synderella]

Bill,


ROTFLMAO. . .egging me on. . .egging me on. . .you really wanna see me permanently banned from this board don’t ya?  
:-p  ;-)  ;-p  :-)